Building Carer Friendly Communities. 8-14 June.
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK. It also helps people who don’t think of themselves as having caring responsibilities to identify as carers and access much-needed support.
The theme for Carers Week 2026 is Building Carer Friendly Communities. Carer friendly communities are places, spaces, services and community groups where unpaid carers are recognised, understood, and valued. They make support part of everyday life ensuring carers get the opportunities and help they need.
When communities work together in this way, carers have fairer opportunities and can lead better lives.
At Action for Family Carers we believe, with the right support, ALL Carers can have the same opportunities in life as others, whether in education, training, employment, or socially. This is our charity vision forming part of our overall mission.
Carers Week aims to highlight the impact carer friendly communities can have in making a real and lasting difference to the lives of carers everywhere.
How we’re marking the week:
All June:
We have one-off events that we’re either putting on or joining – here’s a breakdown by area:
ADULT CARERS:
Our in-person and online support groups across West and Northeast Essex (run in partnership with Essex Carers Support) will take place throughout June
West Essex:
Mon 8 June:
– Eden Surgery, Hatfield Heath, 10am-12.30pm, Maria & Donna, Info stand for Carers & professionals
Tue, 9 June:
– Peacocks Surgery, Stansted, 10am-12.30pm, Nichola, Info stand for Carers & professionals
Wed 10 June:
– Jenner House Surgery, Harlow, tbc, Maria, Info stand for Carers & professionals
Thur 11 June:
– John Tasker House Surgery, Dunmow, 10am-12.30pm, Laura, Info stand for Carers & professionals
Mon 15 June:
– Abridge Village Hall, 2-3pm, Veronica, Information event for Carers
Northeast Essex (run by Essex Carers Support)
Tue 9 June:
– The St Osyth wellbeing group will be visiting St Osyth Priory for a visit with guided tour, tractor ride and tea and cake.
Wed 10 June:
– Harwich/Dovercourt Group are having Cream Teas and seated Yoga/relaxation session
Thurs 11 June:
– Walton/Frinton Group are enjoying cream tea with a guest speaker regarding energy saving advice and reducing energy cost
Chelmsford:
Our Family Support Team will be at:
Mon 8June:
Museum of Chelmsford, Memory Café: Memory Café | Museum of Chelmsford
Tue 9 June:
Recognising Carers event at Colchester stadium
Wed 10 June:
Community Tea, 10.30 to 11.30 at Chelmsford Central Library
Countywide:
Tue 9 June:
The OPG will be marking Carers Week 2026 by holding a free online information session for people with caring responsibilities on Last power of Attorneys (LPA’s). From 12.30-13.30. Register here: Understanding LPAs and deputyships: Carers Week information session tickets
Thurs 11 June:
Men’s online support group with a special guest speaker
Please share our events and contact details with anyone who may be a carer without realising it – family, friends, colleagues, and clients.
📩 Share photos, quotes, and feedback from your events with marketing@affc.org.uk
🔗 Learn more at carersweek.org
